"Zayne, so much has happened... and I couldn’t even keep my promise to you," Lucius admitted with a guilt in his voice.
"The circumstances change the plan sotis," Zayne replied calmly. Then his gaze shifted toward Layla, his lips tugging into a faint smile. "Besides, Layla’s baby is on the way. Boss, you couldn’t have returned at a better ti."
Lucius’s eyes softened as they rested on her. "And yet, I’ve made her suffer with ," he murmured, regret threading his words.
Layla shook her head firmly, a gentle strength in her eyes. "Not at all. Don’t say I suffered with you. What we went through... it’s simply part of life’s journey," she said, her hand instinctively brushing over her belly as if to remind him of the hope their struggles had created.
"That’s also true," Lucius admitted with a small nod.
"I may not return to Ro for at least a year," Zayne said. "I’ve been pushing for a transfer, but they insist I stay there for the full term."
"It’s fine," Lucius assured him. "But once that year is over and you co back to Ro, you’re living with us. I won’t take no for an answer. By the way, did you know there are three weddings tomorrow? My friends really threw a surprise at ," he added with a chuckle, the smile reaching his eyes.
"Yes, Boss. I already received their invitation," Zayne confird. "I even took leave just so I wouldn’t miss the occasion."
Lucius leaned back, studying him curiously. "Tell , Zayne... are you seeing soone these days?"
Just then, a maid quietly entered, placing a glass of water on the table before Zayne.
"No, I’m not," Zayne replied firmly. "I’ve no such intentions, Boss. Honestly, I think living single is much better, for now, at least. Maybe in the future, I’ll have soone."
"Yeah, enjoy your single life while you can," Layla chid in with a small smile. "Now drink the water."
Obediently, Zayne lifted the glass, took a few sips, then set it gently back on the table. "Boss," he said after a pause, his tone more serious, "this ti, it’s really over, right?"
"Yes," Lucius answered without hesitation. "Completely."
Layla rose gracefully from her seat. Lucius imdiately looked up at her. "Where are you going?" he asked.
"To Sister Fiona’s room," Layla explained. "I’ve sothing important to discuss with her. You two can continue. Don’t worry, I’ll walk myself."
But Lucius’s eyes lingered on her until she disappeared from sight. Only then did he turn his attention back to Zayne.
"Boss, it’s a relief," Zayne said sincerely. "You’ve finally closed the door on the past. Now, no more troubles will co into your lives. You fought so hard for this kind of peace. I still rember... last ti, when your mother passed away, I couldn’t even talk to you much. But I knew, you suffered in silence."
"Yes, I did," Lucius admitted, his voice low and heavy. "It was... difficult. The last ti she ca, we fought. Then three people died protecting . My mind was scattered, torn between grief and survival. And all I could think of was how many more enemies might co, how many more lives would be lost because of ... because of Tsar and Vladimir."
Zayne’s brows furrowed. "Roger told you were... cleaning the mafias."
Lucius gave a faint, bitter smile. "Yeah, sothing like that. My blood family left a trail of slaughter, and I’ve been exposed as the only heir left. I couldn’t allow that legacy to hang over us anymore. I had to end it, once and for all." His tone grew heavier, the weight of his past pressing down on each word. "My mother’s death... it blindsided . Her family, they’re good people. They all loved her, cherished her. And in the end, I learned she loved too... more than I ever realized. But our past made it impossible to nd what was broken between us."
He drew in a sharp breath, forcing strength into his voice. "She always wanted to walk away from this world of blood. And I finally did. I’ve achieved what she begged of ... even if she isn’t here to see it."
"Boss, you did the right thing. You always wanted to uncover the truth about your brother and your friend, nothing more. You never acted like the mafias do. I’m sure your mother is at peace now," Zayne said firmly.
"I hope she is," Lucius replied, his voice breaking finally. "I vowed I would kill the man who killed her. It was unbearable to watch her go like that. No matter how much I shouted at her or stayed angry, I never wanted her to... Die." His eyes flooded with tears, but they didn’t fall.
"Boss, you did a wonderful job," Zayne said sincerely. "Your anger back then was justified. You had lost too much, and the truth was unbearable. But what matters now is the present. Your mother’s blessings will always be with you."
"You’re right," Lucius murmured, his expression softening. "That’s the hope I hold onto. Honestly, without Layla, none of this would have been possible. And Luca, he was exceptionally helpful to . Even though I’ve lost my precious mother, my friend, and my brother... I’ve also gained so much. And for that, I’m thankful, for you, and for everyone who has stood by all these years."
Zayne smiled. "Boss, you were also kind to all of us. I never imagined myself to be in such a stable life. Thanks to you, I am living a life of my dreams. You’ve done so much for all of us. Now, only happiness will find its way to you and Layla."
"Yes, Zayne. I pray the sa for not only for and Layla, but all of you."
A warm smile graced his lips as his heart fluttered with a feeling of contentnt.
~~~~
Hello Dear Readers,
I’ve created a new story for Luca De Augustino in a different world, but contemporary setting. I hope you read that story. It’s direct link is attached below.
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